Opening Up: U-Report Zambia Activates Mental Health Chatbot for World Mental Health Action Day
With adolescent depression on the rise, the chatbot provides life-changing tools to tackle stigma, manage stress, and build resilience.
The updated U-Report Mental Health Chatbot is now ready for deployment — just in time for World Mental Health Action Day on 15 May. Designed to meet the growing mental health needs of adolescents across Zambia, the chatbot provides young people with free, confidential, and youth-friendly support through SMS and WhatsApp.
What’s Driving the Need?
Mental health challenges among adolescents are on the rise. According to new data from the Ministry of Health, the number of adolescents (10–19 years) diagnosed and treated for depression rose from 704 cases in 2022 to 858 in 2024. While this increase may reflect better awareness and diagnosis, it also highlights the urgent need for accessible, stigma-free mental health support.
How Can This Chatbot Help?
The U-Report Mental Health Chatbot is part of UNICEF’s global #OnMyMind campaign, which supports the mental health of young people by:
- Tackling stigma, shame, and lack of understanding
- Empowering young people to act when they or someone they know needs help
To date, five modules have been launched on the platform, each addressing specific areas of mental health:
1. Initiating conversations about mental health
2. Building positive relationships
3. Breaking down the stigma associated with mental health
4. Understanding and managing stress
5. Emotional regulation
A new module on substance use has just been added. Designed in a warm, empathetic, and non-judgmental tone, it provides a safe space for young people to explore what substance use means and make informed choices in their daily lives.
How to Access the Chatbot
Getting started is simple and free, no matter where you are in Zambia.
📱 SMS (all networks: Airtel, MTN & Zamtel)
- Already a U-Reporter? Send “Mind” to 878
- New to U-Report? Send “Join” to 878 to register, then message “Mind”
💬 WhatsApp
- Message “Mind” to +260768878878
- New users should first send “Join” to register
Once activated, the chatbot walks users through each module using friendly, simple language — making it easy to understand and engage with, even on a basic phone.
Explore the Slides: Mental Health Support for Young People
View these cards to help spread the word and connect young people to free, confidential support.
Together for Youth Mental Health: Share, Support, Speak Up
This World Mental Health Action Day let’s do more than raise awareness. Let’s support open conversations about mental health. A simple message, post, or check-in can make a real difference. Young people play an important role in our communities today, and supporting their mental well-being helps build a stronger, healthier Zambia. Asking for help is a sign of strength, and no one should face challenges alone.
The U-Report Mental Health Chatbot remains live and free beyond 15 May — a trusted, confidential tool available anytime, anywhere. Help amplify this resource by sharing it with your networks using the hashtags #OnMyMind #YouAreNotAlone #UReportZambia, and don’t forget to tag us: U-Report Global (Facebook: @U-Report | Instagram: @ureport | X: @UReportGlobal) and UNICEF Zambia (Facebook: @Unicef Zambia | Instagram: @unicefzambia | X: @UNICEFZambia). Together, we can build a culture of openness, empathy, and support. Let every young person know they are not alone. ***
